Saturday, 7 December 2013

Living history

I don't have a very 'glamorous' family history in terms of buccaneering, rebelling, inventing, Great Trekkers and the like, just a couple of mainly Dutchmen who got on the ship to Kaap de Goede Hoop, and French Hugenot, with sprinkles of German, Scotch, Malay and who knows what else thrown in.

But sometimes, out of the blue, you learn of an interesting thing that happened years and years ago...like my grandfather's brother who one day, left the house, never to return.

They never heard of him again.

I found that set of great-grandparents in a national family register, with one named son (not the walker), and "other children", but not those we know.

There were two; one each with her and my grandfather's initials, made of an aluminium pipe. Inside it is engraved with date and initials of one Fernandro, who formed a close bond with them. My grandfather's ring was lost through the years, my grandmother gave this one to me.

I still wanted to write a post about the yoga bag that was eventually finished (oh yeay!), the basket that I lined - a looong time ago, crochet @ my favourite Pure Café...but then I thought, nah. It's holiday.

Last year we were so lucky to be off to snow in Tirol, this year it's back to beach on the Garden Route, equally great.

What a great story...I am curious to find out more... I would love to do some family tree research. i think my dad and older brother are doing some together actually. My family tree is more of spread out forest of different trees... Trees we don't know and trees we do know. I remember in 2nd grade being 8 going on 9 and the assignment was to draw my family tree. I had hardly started when I realized my tree would never fit on that piece of paper... It was a sad moment for me and the feeling of being different with such a split and spread out family that I don't even know has followed me ever since. This was in the mid 70's and divorce was not that common yet. I was one of 2 in my class... But my grand parents, uncles and aunts had all divorced. Naturally I have grown up with a mission to never get divorced, be open and not keep secrets from dear ones, not hide or be ashamed of family members... So far so good. Living abroad with a foreign man and multi national children is like a new start for my family tree. MY family tree. I hope it stays thick and luscious with many branches. Only time will tell. Oh and the reason I am here right now was actually to thank you with a big hug for the darling gift you sent. THANK YOU Stel. You rock my world being so kind. Now I just have to come up with a great project... Maybe a cowl... Or a shawl... I love the colors. Kram! xxxAnnette

Happy Christmas and have a sweet holiday. Totally forgot that part. I am like a headless chicken running around bouncing into the fence and the hen den constantly. Family arrives on Thursday and I am far from ready. Bring it on anyway. Who cares. Lets drink some glögg and sing a Christmas carol. Eat some food and just hang out. See you in 2014.xxxAnnette